^{CVE-2020-11897:}Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability in Treck TCP/IP Stack via Malformed IPv6 Packets (CVE-2020-11897)

Overview

This vulnerability (CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write) affects the IPv6 packet processing functionality in Treck's TCP/IP stack. When processing certain malformed IPv6 packets, the stack incorrectly handles memory operations, allowing data to be written outside the bounds of allocated memory buffers. This can corrupt adjacent memory, potentially leading to code execution with the privileges of the running process.

The vulnerability is particularly concerning because the Treck TCP/IP stack is embedded in numerous IoT devices, industrial control systems, medical devices, and networking equipment across multiple vendors. The widespread implementation of this stack means the vulnerability has a broad attack surface across various industries. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to take complete control of affected devices, potentially leading to network compromise, data theft, or operational disruption.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, the following actions are recommended:

1. Update to Treck TCP/IP stack version 5.0.1.35 or later, which contains patches for this vulnerability.

2. If direct updates are not possible, contact the device manufacturer for firmware updates that incorporate the patched Treck TCP/IP stack.

3. Network-level mitigations:

   • Implement network segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices
   • Deploy firewalls to filter malformed IPv6 traffic
   • Use intrusion detection/prevention systems to detect exploitation attempts
   • Disable IPv6 functionality if not required for operations

4. For OEMs and device manufacturers using the Treck stack:

   • Apply the patches provided by Treck to your product's codebase
   • Develop and distribute firmware updates to customers
   • Provide clear communication about the vulnerability and remediation steps

5. Monitor vendor advisories from companies like Cisco, Dell, and Aruba Networks that have incorporated the Treck stack into their products.

References

1. Treck's official website and advisory: https://www.treck.com
2. JSOF Ripple20 vulnerability disclosure: https://www.jsof-tech.com/ripple20/
3. CERT Coordination Center advisory: https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/257161/
4. Cisco Security Advisory: https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-treck-ip-stack-JyBQ5GyC
5. Dell's response to Ripple20 vulnerabilities: https://www.dell.com/support/article/de-de/sln321836/dell-response-to-the-ripple20-vulnerabilities
6. Aruba Networks security advisory: http://www.arubanetworks.com/assets/alert/ARUBA-PSA-2020-006.txt
7. JSOF vulnerability disclosure policy: https://jsof-tech.com/vulnerability-disclosure-policy/